Morgan claims first senior rep jersey

Toyota Cowboys fullback Michael Morgan’s meteoric rise has continued with selection in the Prime Minister’s XIII to play the PNG Kumuls at Kokopo on Sunday 12 October.

It is Morgan’s first senior representative jersey and comes almost a year to the day since he was playing in the Intrust Super Cup grand final for Mackay Cutters.

The 22-year-old played in all 26 NRL games for the Cowboys this year after taking over the fullback position previously held by Cowboys games record holder Matt Bowen.

His impressive form led to Morgan being named as the Cowboys 2014 Members’ Player, and he then received a call-up to the Kangaroos’ train-on squad when North Queensland were eliminated from the finals.
 
The Prime Minister’s XIII team will be captained by Gold Coast Titans forward Greg Bird and was chosen by coach Laurie Daley in consultation with the Australian selectors and national coach Tim Sheens.
 
Sheens said the withdrawal of a number of senior players through injury had opened the way for some rising stars to be given an opportunity alongside established stars.
 
“The PM’s XIII has some of the game’s most experienced players including Greg Bird, Robbie Farah and Ryan Hoffman,” Sheens said.
 
“But this match also provides a great opportunity for young players like Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Sione Mata’utai, Anthony Milford and Dylan Napa to gain experience alongside regular international players.

“That experience will prove invaluable in the future.”
 
The Australian squad for the Four Nations tournament, which begins in Brisbane on 26 October, will be announced following this game.  

Cowboys front-rower James Tamou has withdrawn from the Kangaroos’ train-on squad due to his on-going neck injury.

He will not require surgery. 
 
The Prime Minister’s XIII team is: